Kumara Purnima

Kumara Purnima is known in the country with different names practiced in various places. Some of the famous names are Sharad Purnima, Lakshmi Puja and Kojagiri Purnima et al. Hindus in India and those spread in the worldwide locations celebrate this festival with great devotion. Start of this festival is from the day of full moon on the Hindi month of Ashwin according to the Hindu calendar. The date usually falls in the time during September-October months.

There is good connection between this festival and harvesting culture in the Indian subcontinent. The festival is often denoted with a step to keep the bad omen away and to ensure Hindu God is pleased for maximum harvesting. It also is the mark of the end of monsoon season.

History

Kumara Purnima festival has rich history linking it to the ancient era. This festival is very much traditional celebration of moon. It is very much denoted with a concept of Kaumudi celebration defining moonlight celebration since centuries. As stories go on, this festival is to remember dedication of a devout queen whose observing fast, night vigil and worships had saved her husband king from falling prey to bad omen. The king had faced financial crunch but due to the sincere prayers of the queen he came out of that financial straits thereafter. Goddess of wealth, Laxmi bestowed them the true spirit to come out of such challenging phases.

Celebrations

Out of the many attractions of Kumara Purnima, the one which keep it apart include the worshipping of Goddess Lakshmi in nighttime. Worshippers also observe a night vigil during this important festival. Festival is therefore exclusively dedicated to the Goddess Laxmi who helps worshippers regain prosperity if pleased. The myths are also true that Kumara Purnima is an occasion when both moon and earth do come very much close to each other. It also remains a healing time with rays of full moon helping out worshippers to nourish body and soul for that special prayers are done.

Festivities include Kumara Purnima special sittings in the moonlight. Worshippers involve in the activities like singing songs and entertaining themselves through one option to the other. Usually worshippers maintain fasting and refrain from taking any solid food. They though take only fluids especially coconut water and milk when observe this festival to worship Goddess Laxmi. A tradition still prevails to take the cool milk or rice flakes during nighttime while celebrating Kumara Purnima festival.

Importance of Festival

Importance of Kumara Purnima festival must be understood the in the context of its origins. The festival is celebrated with this myth that it is an important night when the Goddess Laxmi goes around from one place to the other and observe keenly which devotee of hers are keen to take blessings. She literally asks through certain symbols to people if they are awake and seek her blessings for overall prosperity. Such is the importance of Kumara Purnima festival for the pleasure of Goddess who can shower those followers who are awake and worship her.

Such are the major aspects that turn Kumara Purnima into a major Hindu festival without any reservation of period or region. Worshippers awake for the whole night to worship Goddess Laxmi. Festivity spirit hardly die down during that time. In fact worshippers often involve themselves into various amusements and games while they attempt to please their Goddess of prosperity.

Kumara Purnima is celebrated in almost all parts of the country and is very much denoted with a concept of “harvest festival.” The state of Maharashtra though is known for its zeal during this festival. One more tradition associated with this festival is that usually eldest child of families are honored on this special occasion of festivity. Its name changes in western state of Gujarat where Kumara Purnima night is denoted with Sharad Poonam night. Gujarati involve in Garba and Raas activities while celebrating this festival. In West Bengal, Kumara Purnima is known as Lokkhi Pujo. Many bhogs and upachars are organized on this special day to keep the mother Goddess Lakshmi happy so that she blesses prosperity to devotees.

Likewise, in Mithila region, Kumara Purnima is denoted with Kojagaraha festival. Its name changes from one region to other but spirit remains same. Sole purpose is to attain the blessings of mother Goddess Laxmi for prosperity and wellbeing.

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